My kingdom is not from this world. ….Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’ John 18 : 36 - 37
Readings this week Daniel 7 : 9 – 10, 13 - 14; Revelation 1 : 4b - 8; John 18 : 33 - 37
Thought for this week
As Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate was familiar with political survival. With manipulation, balancing interests, and keeping quiet so as to not attract the attention of Rome.
Yet in his encounter with Jesus Pilate meets with an authority and a certainty he has not known before. It is Pilate who is challenged, searching for answers, being subtly and deeply questioned by Jesus.
The episode ends with Pilate asking Jesus, ‘What is truth?’. Yet he has Truth standing before him.
Jesus’ Kingship is not of this world, and different to all those who hold power in this world, all those who claim authority, all those who assert certainty other than that of the Lord’s power and love.
Jesus goes on challenging our human constructions and intentions just as He has challenged every kingdom over the past 2,000 years.
This is the King who serves, who sacrificed His life for us, who goes beyond and ahead of us in every situation, who is alive and active in our world. Jesus is the true King, The King – Shepherd, the King of grace and love.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord and King: keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
God the Father, help us to hear the call of Christ the King and to follow in his service, whose kingdom has no end; for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory. Amen
People to pray for
For the elderly who cannot heat their homes
For those without shelter
For those working for peace